Healing, Hydroponics and the Homeless, Accessible Garden

Tom and I toured the Lighthouse Mission in Lakeland, Florida with the Central Florida Lady Bloggers. Knowing that many of the homeless have disabilities, I was interested in seeing how they addressed accessibility at their facility. Every 2010 ADA Code accessibility detail was taken into consideration in both their men’s and women’s facilities.

This is what an ADA compliant ramp looks like. Lighthouse in Lakeland makes sure that everyone is comfortable in their facilities.This 12″ extension on a stair handrail makes all of the difference in balance.

We learned how Lighthouse Ministries takes a holistic approach to serving the homeless and community. They provide “Success Sheltering,” which includes educational and vocational development for residents to discover a pathway of success in a safe living environment. Everyone who lives on the campus is given an opportunity to experience peace, life purpose and fulfillment of potential.

We were fascinated with the 7000 square foot urban hydroponic garden that provides fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables to the shelter. Male residents re-enter the workforce by starting in the garden. They find it a peaceful work experience that helps them to recover from the streets. It gives them a calm place to contemplate and see the results of their effort.

The garden is accessible, with wide smooth pathways and plants that can easily be reached from a seated position.

Healing begins in the garden. Homeless men work in the garden providing fresh fruits and vegetables for guests eating at the Lighthouse Ministries shelter.

As a special treat, Lighthouse Ministries gave each of us a gift certificate to use in one of their retail Stores. Their seven Thrift Stores provide clothing for their guests and household goods for their graduates. Along with providing capital for funding programs, the Thrift Stores provide employment for program residents and a place for outreach to the community that includes the distribution of food boxes and clothing vouchers.

We visited two of the Lakeland, Florida retail stores. They were both located in old buildings circa the 1930’s. Employees graciously pointed out the side entry ramp to the furniture section, which was an old side street storefront. This building is several old storefronts with different levels, an old warehouse, and a loading dock. We entered from the furniture store section. There were a few wide steps up from this section to the clothing and households area, located in the old storefronts that faced the main highway. Several employees offered to escort us to the front accessible entry if we found the steps uncomfortable. None of them ever mentioned that we might not be able to climb the stairs. They all graciously mentioned how the steps were sometimes uncomfortable for them and offered an alternative. We did not look at the restrooms, assuming that upgrading them for accessibility might be a hardship.

We were also happy to learn that in their new facilities and in their older historical buildings, every reasonable effort was made for accessibility compliance.

Lighthouse Ministries knows the importance of including all people. Disability Smart Solutions is available to assist your business with overcoming architectural barriers and attitude barriers to accessibility.

Bonus

I was thrilled to find new earings at a very low price. Seven pairs is not hoarding! Tom bought a set of Italian ceramic pasta bowls. There were some very nice pieces of furniture, including an antique needlepoint child’s rocking chair. As much as I wanted it, we figured that it was best to leave the chair for someone with a child. The Florida Summer afternoon thunderstorms also discouraged buying furniture, but we’ll be back!

Swag from the Lighthouse Ministries gift store. Gracious staff, wide aisles, clean items, great prices and accessible; what more can a girl ask for?

Disability Smart Solutions, extends a HUGE thank you to Megan of More than A Coupon Queen, the event organizer. Please visit her blog for the latest information on Florida Fun, Homeschooling, Money Saving and Internet Deals.

Disability Smart Solutions is committed to working with organizations and companies who believe in diversity and social inclusion. We are an ADA Accessibility consulting company providing resources to businesses that serve the unique needs of both the 50+ aging population and people living with disabilities.

While parenting a special needs teenager and caring for an elderly parent, she learned the harsh realities of all-ability customer service and architectural barriers to access.

Susan knows that it's one thing to explore a building as an able young person, but it's another to shop, dine, visit the doctor, or vacation as a person living with a disability. Mobility, comprehension, perception, hearing and sight can change in a split second.

Susan believes that exemplary customer service and ease-of-use in Places of Accommodation are key to creating long-term productive employees and life-long happy customers.

His photos star in our "Spot the Service Dog" presentation, where we explain the differences between Services Dogs and Emotional Support Animals.

Serge wants everyone to know that for Places of Public Accommodation:
1. A service dog vest is like a Rock Star t-shirt. It is just informational clothing.
2. The Department of Justice and the ADA do not acknowledge any "Service Dog Certificates."

The ADA only allows two legal questions for businesses.
1. Is the dog or tiny horse a service animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog or tiny horse been trained to perform?

A business may ask any animal, including a Service Dog, to leave their facility for bad behavior.

Call Susan to schedule a Service Dog seminar for your organization. 407-310-3663

What is the ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities that are like those provided to individuals on the basis of race, sex, national origin, and religion.

The ADA guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, State and local government services and telecommunications.

Susan P. Berry, NCIDQ, National Council for Interior Design Qualification

National Council of Building Design Certification, Susan P. Berry, CPBD

Disability Smart Solutions is an ADA Consultancy and a service of Susan Berry Design, Inc.
DSS does not practice Law, Architecture, Commercial Interior Design or Engineering.
DSS recommends always using a State Licensed professional for Construction Documents.
DSS recommends always reviewing Disability Discrimination with an Attorney.
Fees and Prices quoted on website are samples and subject to change at any time.
The comments and observations provided within documents provided by Susan Berry Design, Inc. and/or Disability Smart Solutions (SBD/DSS), are for general information & compliance purposes only. SBD/DSS are not licensed attorneys or architects in the State of Florida. We do not claim to be agents, representatives, or licensees of the DOJ (Department of Justice), ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or any other state or government agency. Any information provided is not intended as professional legal advice, nor does it supersede government authority. Susan Berry Design, Inc., Disability Smart Solutions and/or their assignee's, do not assume any liability for information.

Disclaimer:
ADA Consulting and ADA Inspectors are non-regulated professions.
The International Code Council provides a Certified Accessibility Inspector and Plans Examiner program. Disability Smart Solutions has this certification.
The Department of Justice does not certify or endorse any individual or organization as ADA consultants, nor does the DOJ approve or endorse any products or designs as being in compliance with the ADA.
We DO NOT provide Certificates of ADA Compliance, as we have never been in a facility that maintained 100% ADA compliance.